The Controversial Case of Nelle Diala: A Flight Attendant’s Viral Twerking Incident
Nelle Diala, a former Alaska Airlines flight attendant, made headlines after being fired for a TikTok video where she twerked on an empty plane. This incident sparked debates on social media policies, workplace conduct, and discrimination. Diala shared her side of the story, expressing her feelings of unfair treatment and discrimination, which she believes led to her termination.
Nelle Diala’s Perspective: A Moment of Joy Turned Controversy
Diala recounted the incident, describing it as a spontaneous moment of joy. She had just completed her probationary period and was celebrating. "I didn’t think that being so happy could turn into something like this," she said, adding that she was simply trying to energize herself for the day. The video, captured at 6 a.m. while waiting for the captain, was meant to be a personal victory dance, marking her success in her new role.
The Twerking Video: A Celebration Gone Viral
The video, which has since been made private, showed Diala twerking in uniform with the caption, "Ghetto bih till I D-I-E, don’t let the uniform fool you." It quickly went viral, leading to her termination. Alaska Airlines cited a breach of their social media policy as the reason for her firing. Diala was devastated, feeling that she had been unfairly judged without being given a chance to explain herself.
Consequences and Reaction: A Flight Attendant’s Dismissal
Following her dismissal, Diala expressed her disappointment, stating, "I put on a proud face every time I stepped on that plane, and for them to terminate me without giving me a chance, it just was unfair." She denied any wrongdoing, asserting that her dance was not inappropriate. She also claimed discrimination, suggesting that her cultural expression was targeted, while the company embraced other cultures but excluded minority voices.
Allegations of Discrimination: A Broader Implication
Diala alleged that Alaska Airlines discriminated against her, stating, "The company would like to embrace ‘all cultures’ but leave the minority girl from the ghetto OUT." She reposted the video with the caption, "Can’t even be yourself anymore, without the world being so sensitive," sparking discussions on cultural expression and workplace policies.
Aftermath and Public Support: A New Chapter for Nelle Diala
Following her termination, Diala set up a GoFundMe page, raising over $3,000 to support herself until she found new employment. She also used the funds to support her burgeoning lingerie and dessert businesses, showcasing her resilience. Alaska Airlines maintained their stance on high conduct standards without commenting on the specifics of Diala’s case. This incident continues to highlight the complexities of social media, workplace policies, and cultural expression, leaving many to ponder where the line is drawn between personal freedom and professional conduct.
